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Evolution of STARS Computing Corps

The evolution of the STARS Computing Corps began with a 2005 National Science Foundation (NSF) solicitation to Broaden Participation in Computing (BPC).

2006 – STARS Initiation

The Students in Technology, Academia, Research, and Service (STARS) Alliance was funded by the NSF in 2006 to develop and implement a program which wrapped research-proven activities for recruiting, bridging, and retaining underrepresented groups in computing into a singular cohesive approach. The core of the program was the STARS Leadership Corps (Corps). Eleven Southeastern Colleges and Universities demonstrated positive outcomes with the Corps through fostering technical excellence, leadership skills, a sense of community among the students, and civic engagement.

2008 – STARS Extension

With the STARS Alliance Extension proposal, the number of participating Colleges and Universities increased to 20 and an additional goal of advancement for faculty was added. The STARS Alliance facilitated professional development, informal mentoring, and affinity groups for its faculty that has led to advancement for many participants. By 2011, the STARS Alliance had supported the implementation of Corps in over 40 colleges and universities.

2011 – 2016+ - STARS Scaling

STARS activities have demonstrated sustainability through curricular and co-curricular integration with computing programs and the next phase of STARS’ evolution focuses on scaling STARS practices to a national audience. To sustain the program beyond grant funding, the STARS Computing Corps became a non-profit entity in 2012. Its purpose is to foster continued national adoption of student-led regional engagement by providing:

seed funding to computing departments that implement the Corps or infuse its practices of student-led regional engagement with departmental cultures;

a community of support through the STARS Online social network, website, and digital library; and